Snapshots in Calgary

Cluster of bangles and bracelets. From Left. Turquoise-Forever 21, Yellow-Forever 21, Tortoise-Vintage, Emerald-Gifted, Hot Pink- Joe Fresh

Mmm Latte at Good Earth Cafe

Fabulous Resto in Calgary Borgo Trattoria- We had the yummiest food to share- wonderful night

My sister Jenn & my lovely friend Mary

Mary & I- Love this gal. Her taste is superb

Salmon, Olives, Eggplant Frites, Sauteed Mushrooms, Crispy Risotto Ball

Great light fixtures

Blayre Cruisin' around in this fun convertible- we rode with the top down, exhilarating!

Loved this fresh looking bedding by Kate Spade. I picked up a pair of cute pillow cases

I thought this duvet cover by Missoni was amahhhzing. A perfect blend of classic & retro. Such a perfect color... I seriously wanted to buy this...

Getting ready for my Uncles b-day at my Moms place. I miss family gatherings!

Ombre Carnations

Love the new cabinetry & the enormous balloons

Yummy Cupcakes- We all had seconds!

Look at that frosting... Heavenly

Guess the caption.... Happy Birthday to You!!

I love this group of people

On to a night of hilarious and fun Karaoke. Whenever I come home my Mom now insists we do this... What can I say, it is so much fun- love it!
Leaving Saturday and trying to make every moment here count. xoxo

Laura Collins Design will provide you with insight and guidance on how you can turn your home or office into a stylish reflection of your unique personality. Please contact me if you are interested in discussing the different design services I offer. 

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Mary M: And the Oscar Goes Too...

L.C. Once again the Academy Awards have come and gone, with lots of fabulous films, speeches, and anticipation out of the way I have a special guest to give her take on how the night went down!!

Mary M. who I interviewed a few weeks ago, is joining us for her rundown of the Oscars 2011 Hits & Misses!! Enjoy!!

L.C. Yay!!

M.M. The Oscars… Hollywood’s biggest night!

In terms of the fashions, I have to say I was overall really impressed by the stars this year!

My picks for best/worst dressed at the Academy Awards:

Best Dressed

§ Anne Hathaway – Stunning red gown that she walked the red carpet in. Who could ask for a better escort… Valentino himself! I love the back detailing of the dress, and her diamond wreath necklace. Lovely!

§ Mila Kunis – Lots of purple on the carpet this year. This was very feminine and I love the way it looks on her with her dark hair! Gorgeous!

§ Natalie Portman – This was a truly beautiful dress, I have to admit I was kind of scared to watch her acceptance speech after her Golden Globe one, but she looked really elegant in the aubergine gown and matching beaded tassel earrings.

§ Hailee Steinfeld – this dress is so pretty, and while on the red carpet she mentioned working with the designers at Marchesa to pull together this lovely look.

Best Dressed Men

§ Andrew Garfield is in every way lovely… Handsome face and gentle voice. His suit was pure perfection.

§ Jeremy Renner – I have had a thing for him since watching The Town. He’s kind of naughty looking too in that bad boy way which I like, especially when he’s dressed up super formal in that luxurious YSL tux.

§ Justin Timberlake – Another celebrity crush, looking very nice Mr. Timberlake. Ps: you look yummy!

§ Hugh Jackman – Great from head-to-toe. I really thought he looked great in that double breasted tuxedo. 5 o’clock shadow suits him well too.

Hottest Couples

§ Jason Statham & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

§ Javier Bardem & Penelope Cruz

§ Keith Urban & Nicole Kidman

Worst Dressed

§ Cate Blanchett – Really bad… Thought that it would grow on me, but it looks like things are growing on her… The beading almost looks “warty”. Very alien-esque with a little bit of nursery-rhyme-gone-wrong. She is an exquisite woman and almost the most talented actresses in the world; this dress was a miss!

§ Marisa Tomei – I am very fond of Marisa Tomei, but I personally did not care for her choice of gown. It didn’t appear to fit very well, and while I didn’t mind the color, the style was not the most flattering.

L.C. Mary!!! You are Amazing!! Thank you so much!!

P.S. Who were your favorites, who did you think was off point?? My faves were:

Mandy Moore, Jennifer Lawrence and Gwyneth Paltrow as usual!!

My Favorite Pics:

And last but not least...Tah Dahhhhhh: All of Anne Hathway's Dresses Thanks to Rachel Zoe... I DIE!!

Always Stay Graceful,

L.

Interview: Mary M.

Let me give you a quick run down about Mary M.

One could mistake Mary for a girl that was bred on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. She is a very dear friend of mine from Calgary (which is where I grew up). As far back as I can remember, Mary has always been exceptionally stylish and knowledgeable about the world of fashion. Put her in a room with Karl Lagerfeld, and this spunky little lady could hold her ground! She has impeccable taste, she has been an avid shopper since middle school- and she has the most incredible sense of humour- she is so quick witted, with an incredible amount of poise. We could talk fashion for hours.

This is the third interview I have done now, and I am so excited to share this one with you! It has been a long time coming that I wanted to collaborate with Mary for something on my blog, I feel like she has great wisdom and insight to share with anyone who is interested in the Fashion world, and a lot of great tips for 2011, Thank you so much Mary, I think everyone will really enjoy reading this!!

Love you! xoxo

L.C.Who is your Fashion Icon?
M.M.My great aunt Jean - she is the epitome of grace and elegance and has, without a doubt the finest collection of clothes and shoes I have ever seen.

L.C. Most recent splurge- or favorite new purchase?
M.MI recently bought a Gucci mini skirt - it’s powder blue, with a black zipper right up the front.

L.C.If you could go to any Fashion Show who's would it be?
M.M.I can’t just pick one...
Chado by Ralph Rucci
Donna Karan
Zac Posen
Dior Couture by John Galliano.

L.C. What would you describe to be your fashion "trademark" ?

M.M.Beautiful high heels.

L.C.Are there some similarities or consistencies in the aesthetic of your "Fashion idols" and your own personal style?
M.MI wear what I feel comfortable in, I’m not really one who follows trends. I wear what looks good on me - classic and timeless clothing.

L.C.One thing I will never wear or own is:

M.M.a one shoulder/asymmetrical top or dress.

L.C. What is Spring 2011's "It" outfit
M.M.I think wearing a monochromatic outfit is so stylish - a all beige/nude or light grey outfit for the spring. I am really into off-the-shoulder tops right now, they look great paired with a slim pencil skirt and some heels.

I love shoes, especially vintage shoes and I think nude stilettos for the spring/summer are a must have - patent leather or something with an ankle strap is always sexy. Camel leather strapy sandals are another staple. I bought a pair on sale from Ann Taylor that have equestrian buckles and white stitching that I love. Clothing does not have to be expensive to look lovely. It’s all about having good taste and the way you put an outfit together.

Fendi FF Superstar Patent Leather Pumps $565

Prada Patent Leather Pumps $668

L.C.Bloomies or Barneys?

M.M.Bloomingdales, but I’d rather have a day at Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom, the service is impeccable.

L.C. Serena or Blair?

M.M.Serena.

L.C.What are your 10 "Must Haves"
M.M.

Red or pink leather gloves
Booties
Heirloom/antique jewellery
Cross body bags
Wolford opaque stay-up stockings
Pearl bracelets
Ray Ban wayfarer sunglasses
Soft cowl neck or off-the-shoulder sweaters
Vintage Pucci scarves
J.Crew coats - double cloth carlin coat, or trench coats for Spring


L.C. What is your go to color?

M.M.White and black are always elegant.

L.C.Favorite Movie?
M.MLove Actually

L.C. Favorite place in the world/most Romantic place in the world?
M.M.My favorite place, Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s Heavenly, there’s no other place like it.

L.C.Most Romantic Place?

M.M.Lake Louise is really romantic, I love being surrounded by nature. It’s gorgeous there all the time, summer or winter.

L.C. Signature Scent?

M.M.Viktor & Rolf “Flowerbomb” has always been a favorite of mine, as is Salvatore Ferragamo’s “Incanto Bloom”. I was given Gilly Hicks “La Perouse” as a Christmas present and have been wearing that daily, it’s so light and delicious.

L.C. Favorite Blog?
M.M.Gracefully Searching

Always Stay Graceful Mary M.,

You are such a lady!

L.